The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras

Artistic Triumphs and Economic Challenges

“This important and readable volume demonstrates the underlying disconnect between artistic achievement and economic reality facing the professional symphony orchestra. Its careful analysis, based on extensive data, lays out the ground, including relentlessly rising costs and ageing audiences, for concern for the future of this vital cultural activity in the U.S. and elsewhere. It is a volume not to be missed by anyone concerned with tomorrow’s state of the arts.”—William Baumol, The Cost Disease

"Read the book, no matter how much you may not like what it has to say. Orchestras can’t afford to ignore the issues it raises."—Jesse Rosen, Symphony Magazine

"[The Perilous Life of Symphony Orchestras] provides a crucial discussion of international models of financing and supporting orchestras, drawing vital comparisons between America's preference for private philanthropy and the state funded models elsewhere… Flanagan delivers informed commentary on the challenges facing labour-intensive, productivity-limited symphony orchestras with a straightforward 19th century institution in a 21st century economy with unflinching clarity… fascinating and insightful…"—Michael Quinn, Classical Music

“Valuable reading for those interested in the survival of symphony orchestras.”—Choice